The Detroit Red Wings take the ice for Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Joe Louis Arena.

Written by

Posted by James Jahnke
Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

So the Detroit Red Wings lead the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-1, in their second-round series. Admit it: You had no clue this was coming.

But just as we're all waking up to the idea that the Wings are serious Stanley Cup contenders, so are the national media. Here's a sampling of what's being said around the web today:

■ Craig Custance, espn.com: There's a bond forming between a city that's starting to believe in its hockey team - one that isn't nearly as loaded with the talent as some in the past - and the group of players making it happen. Especially the goalie. ...